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FINISHES

Fin’s father, Aidan Helmer – servant of King Matthias of Troivack – has arrived in the kingdom with devastating news: Annika’s brother Charles has been taken prisoner, and the only way his life will be spared is if she or Fin pleads his case.

Now it’s up to Fin, with the help of his wily kitten, Kraken, to attempt a daring mission of rescue and espionage.

But he’ll need to move quickly before his kingdom, and life, goes up in flames.

PENGUIN Fiction

9781405967099_The House Witch and When The Cat Spells War_BOOK 3.indd All Pages

JAN 24

129 X 198 MM

Finish

But fate has different plans . . .

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Annika Jenoure to marry him, all Finlay Ashowan wants to do is settle down, cook some good meals, and enjoy a quiet life in Daxaria.

-SARAH

10/11/2023 16:37

pengu i n bo ok s

THE HOUSE WITCH and When the Cat Spells War

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Delemhach is the Canadian author of the popular series The House Witch and is already hard at work on the sequel series, The Burning Witch.

When they aren’t following the whims of their unfortunately intelligent cats, Kraken and Pina Colada, they are teaching music privately to their students. In their spare time outside of writing and work, they enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, spending time with family, and trying not to remember their socially awkward moments.

THE HOUSE WITCH and When the Cat Spells War

DELEMHACH Emilie Nikota

P EN GU I N B O O K S

PENGU I N B OOKS UK | USA | Canada | Ireland | Australia India | New Zealand | South Africa Penguin Books is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com

First published by Podium Publishing ULC, 2023 First published in Penguin Books, 2024 001 Copyright © Emilie Nikota, 2023 The moral right of the author has been asserted This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living, dead, or undead, is entirely coincidental.

Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, Elcograf S.p.A. The authorized representative in the EEA is Penguin Random House Ireland, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin D02 YH68 A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN: 978–1–405–96709–9

www.greenpenguin.co.uk Penguin Random House is committed to a sustainable future for our business, our readers and our planet. This book is made from Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper.

To Kraken and Pina, who offer me ample inspiration and are key figures in making our house a home.

To Kate at Podium for scouting me and giving me this opportunity to make a longtime dream come true.

And to Nicole at Podium, who is wildly patient with me as I muddle my way through this new adventure and work to improve and grow as a writer.

CHAPTER 1 DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

M

any years ago …

Aidan Helmer sat in a bustling tavern, his black eyes boring into his pale hand as his thoughts churned over how his current situation came to be.

His son … his eight-year-old child … had magically blasted him from the Isle of Quildon two nights before. Aidan had crashed into the icy springtime sea and felt as though a thousand knives were shredding him down to the bone. His magic could only warm him so much when he was surrounded by the antithesis element to his own magic.

When he had broken the surface of the Alcide Sea’s waters, he noted that he was already aglow, his magical essence flickering as he burned more and more power to stave off the cold. He swam, and swam, until at long last … a fishing vessel picked him up. Bringing him onto its slick deck, the fisherman turned out to be a loathsome human neighbor.

Mr. Corway …

“Ah, Mr. Helmer! I’ll take you to the mainland first. I have to make it to the market, you see, but don’t worry, my wife is waiting for me and can see about getting you a hot meal! Why were you swimming at this time of year?

Could catch your death! Or is this one of them funny witch things?”

1

DELEMHACH

The lug of a man had prattled on, and on … but eventually Aidan was able to get back onto shore, and now the time had come to reorganize his plans.

Finlay had finally discovered his power.

Lightning had struck down on the earth … was the boy a fire witch like his father? Or was he deficient like his mother?

Aidan gave a dark chuckle. If Fin were a fire witch, perhaps he could be forgiven after a … robust lesson or two. Odds were that the boy would have to sleep for weeks after what he had just performed, so there was no hurry to return. Kate would be fretting over her son, and Aidan knew he’d have to bring more food to her if he wanted a hot meal made.

It didn’t seem worth it … Not yet, anyway.

If only he had a way of keeping tabs on the little whelp. It’d save him some time and energy if he could know whether Fin was worth keeping alive and merely doling out proper discipline, or if he needed to show the boy what a pure fire witch could do against a weak mutated witch …

Shaking his head, Aidan brought his thoughts back to the present.

He would return later, but now was the perfect excuse to pursue his true purpose with all his might, free of his wife and son dragging him down.

He’d gather the few pure elemental witches he had recruited in his effort to overthrow the current Coven of Wittica, and from there … Should he travel to Austice? It was far … Though Sorlia had proven more or less pointless, and Xava was too near the isle where the core members of the coven resided …

A figure took a seat across from Aidan, forcing his black eyes upward to glare at whoever had made the mistake of seeking his company uninvited.

However, who sat across from him made him go still.

Straightening slowly, Aidan fixed them with a level stare.

“So, to what do I owe this … unexpected visit?”

Present day …

Norman sat at the council room table with his hands lightly clasped; his crown was making his head ache, but he knew better than to forgo formalities at such a time.

Aidan Helmer sat a few chairs down on his left wearing a long velour plum-colored coat that looked thin and breezy. Otherwise, he wore a black tunic and matching trousers. While his clothes were casual, however,

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THE HOUSE WITCH AND WHEN THE CAT SPELLS WAR

his dark eyes surveying the nobility around him with a small, insolent smile were not.

“His Majesty King Matthias will be taking Lord Phillip Piereva back into custody and will place him under arrest at his family estate for a total of five years,” Aidan explained while leaning back comfortably in his chair.

“That is obscenely lenient. Insultingly so,” Earl Laurent snapped darkly.

“Earl Phillip Piereva violated not only Daxarian laws, but Troivackian ones as well. Are you saying King Matthias is forgiving this malicious movement? How suspicious.”

Aidan turned a charming smile to the man. “Lord Piereva has long been hotheaded. I am given to understand that one of his many crimes was even harassing my own son. Five years of his political power being stripped is more than fair in Troivack’s harsh environment.”

“That’s right, your son was one of his targeted people while under our roof. I’m surprised you are not more personally offended by this,” Mage Lee called out; he was not at all surprised to see a look of disgust mar the fire witch’s features when he realized who had addressed him.

“Well, you see, Mage, I have complete confidence that my son, even as a deficient witch, can still best a mere human. I am not worried for his well-being.” Before anyone could chastise his snide tone, Aidan turned back to the king. “This is the only punishment His Majesty King Matthias has offered, especially in light of our own discovery.”

“What discovery?” Norman asked coldly, his shoulders stiffening.

Aidan smiled handsomely. “Why, we actually learned that Lord Phillip Piereva’s younger brother, Charles Piereva, has been making frequent trips here to Daxaria and selling information. We are presuming this has been conducted between a member of nobility who is close to you, Your Majesty.”

A weighty silence settled over the room.

“I have had no contact with Lord Charles Piereva,” Norman informed the fire witch in even tones.

“That I believe. However, whether or not he had contact with say … his sister, Lady Annika Jenoure, or another member of your court who would have relayed the information, is another matter entirely.”

The entire council room burst out in worried whispers, save for the king and the members of his inner council.

“Lady Jenoure has been in mourning for her late husband the past year, and she has not once hosted her brother here in the castle or in her estate.

3

DELEMHACH

Of this I am certain. Mr. Helmer, you have yet to offer any proof of this accusation of one of my noble citizens.”

“I believe that in light of her husband passing, however, the closest male kin is responsible for the lady. Meaning Lord Phillip Piereva—who she refused to obey and return to her homeland,” Aidan mused aloud while ignoring the king’s demand for evidence.

“When Lady Jenoure married Viscount Jenoure, she became a Daxarian citizen. She holds no responsibility to her former home, or its laws pertaining to inheritance and ownership,” Norman interjected coolly.

“Once again I ask of you, what evidence do you have that Lord Charles Piereva delivered treasonous information to anyone in my court?”

Aidan waved to one of the Troivackian knights who had escorted him to the meeting, and the burly man proceeded to hand two notebooks with several loose pages to the fire witch.

“I have here documentation of suspicious deposits into Lord Charles’s personal vaults shortly after he would go on trips he claimed were for business. Oddly enough, despite inheriting very little, and more than one merchant ship of his sinking, his finances seemed to flourish during his trips—trips that he made alone and in disguise. All rather indicative of someone making illegal profits, wouldn’t you say?”

“That is all speculative, Mr. Helmer. It in no way ties Lady Jenoure to your claims, yet you drag her name into this.” Norman tilted his head, unamused. “Show us his travel logs. Where did he stay? Who saw him?

Where did they see him? You have shown no certain answers to any of these important questions.”

Aidan’s smile grew, and with it, Norman’s hate for the man.

“Well, that isn’t for Your Majesty to judge. Our king will determine the degree of guiltiness Lord Charles Piereva is due. We were being quite ambivalent in opening the case to include Lady Jenoure, as her defense and testimony could lessen the sentence bestowed upon Lady Janelle Piereva and his daughter. As you know, it is Troivackian custom that we suspect not just the culprit of treason but their entire family.”

“What has happened to Lord Charles Piereva and his family?” Lord Fuks asked while eyeing Aidan Helmer cautiously.

“Ah, it is unfortunate, but the traitor and his kin are being held as prisoners aboard His Majesty King Matthias’s ship a week’s sail away. Our benevolent king did so in order to swiftly meet with Lady Jenoure and clear up the misunderstanding.” There was a strange glimmer in the fire witch’s eyes that sent chills down everyone’s spines. “A pity, really, that you 4

THE HOUSE WITCH AND WHEN THE CAT SPELLS WAR

refuse her involvement. As I mentioned, Lord Charles Piereva’s wife and young daughter could face equally grave consequences by association …”

“Is this the Troivackian king’s way of threatening Lady Jenoure for not returning to Troivack?” Captain Antonio queried sharply.

“Not at all; we are only asking her to think of her family as we try to negotiate the punishment for both of her brothers. Her presence could be the difference between life and death for Lady Janelle and her daughter.”

Aidan resumed his charismatic grin, and it made Norman’s stomach roil.

“Until better proof of her involvement is provided, King Matthias has no legal rights to summon Lady Jenoure. Evidence that Lord Charles Piereva and his family are not involved in treason in my court can be submitted through an ambassador or documents delivered by yourself,” Mr. Howard, King Norman’s assistant, pointed out in his usual distant tone.

“King Matthias may not have any legal recourse in summoning the viscountess; however, without her in-person testimony and subsequent questioning by our king, Charles’s wife and young daughter will be slaughtered alongside the Piereva men without a second thought.” The fire witch informed the assistant of this without a hint of emotion behind his horrifying words.

“Aside from the asinine punishment for Lord Phillip Piereva’s actions of bringing hostile forces to our shores or Lady Jenoure’s presence, what else could persuade your king to release Lord Charles and his family?”

Norman asked calmly, sensing the fire witch’s carefully laid bait.

“Well … if it is to be an ambassador to deliver the written evidence, then I could recommend my own son in her place. He is well educated after all, and being one of the Daxarian citizens harassed by Lord Piereva, as well as being close with myself, he would make the ideal ambassador.

He even could deliver Lady Jenoure’s written response to the situation.”

The room grew still as several nobles shifted awkwardly under the revised proposal.

Norman raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair.

So that was what he was after.

Either they surrendered Lady Jenoure … or Finlay Ashowan.

“If we agree to let an ambassador go with you to prove Charles Piereva has not committed any treason, are you also willing to negotiate Lord Phillip Piereva’s execution?”

Aidan smiled. “I’m sure your willingness to send one of our requested parties will go a long way in favor of that objective, yes.”

5

DELEMHACH

Norman’s stare darkened as silence settled among the members of nobility who shared glances with one another, clearly confused about why there was any hesitation in risking the life of a mere peasant cook.

At long last, the king spoke. “I see. We will confer again when we all have had a chance to process this proposal. For now, I suggest we take a break to … discuss.”

Rising from his seat, his handsome smile making him all the more loathsome, Aidan Helmer bowed to the room before he and the two Troivackian knights who had joined him in the meeting took their leave.

While everyone immediately burst out in discussion amongst themselves the moment the fire witch had left the room and closed the door behind himself, Norman was instead trading stony glances with Captain Antonio, then Lord Fuks, Mage Lee, and at long last, Mr. Howard.

Things had just gotten far more complicated.

6

CHAPTER 2 GREAT BALLS OF FIRE

F

in hammered the pork cutlet with added vigor as he tried to keep his mind off stressful topics.

Topics such as how he no longer could see Annika easily because he was back at work, and she was banned from the castle until after the war.

Or how the broom he had magicked to drag his father from the room was nothing but a pile of ash outside his kitchen door.

Or how his mother was in hiding because her former husband was in the same city and might do her bodily harm.

Or how his aides had forgotten once again that, yes, salt is necessary when making bread, and, no, it was not fine to leave bits of eggshell in the batter being made for a savory pastry.

“It just adds a bit of extra crunch!” Sir Andrews complained as he continued hunting through the dough for the tiny fragments of shell.

“We could always just start over again,” Sir Lewis added hopefully as he, too, perused his own bowl of batter.

“You lot have wasted more ingredients than have been consumed. You will pick every bit of shell out of your bowls, or I will have you scrubbing the window from the outside,” Fin replied without looking up. “Sir Taylor is already weeding the garden, and even Hannah is pulling carrots out.

Peter is the only one of any of you to show any improvement.”

7

DELEMHACH

The aide being praised blushed at the compliment as he worked his dough in a bowl at the opposite end of the table from where Fin stood.

Sir Andrews groaned. “You’re too strict! Heather is sick again because of you!”

“It isn’t your business to worry about Heather’s delicate constitution,” Fin snapped and finally looked up only to see that both the knights and Peter had their eyes fixed on the doorway.

Fin turned around, but with a twisting in his gut, he already sensed who had arrived.

“Good day, everyone.” Aidan Helmer strode into the kitchen, his hands clasped behind his back as he nodded to the knights who were sitting cross-legged on the floor and to Peter who was nearest to him until the aide took a step back to stand closer to Fin. The way Aidan carried himself and looked at them all made it very clear that he believed himself to be above them, even though the knights on the floor technically were titled whereas he was not.

His dark eyes swept over to the cook. “I was hoping to have a word with your superior in private.”

Fin felt like vomiting.

“We are in the middle of preparing lunch. There is no time for an idle chat, Mr. Helmer, good day.” Fin resumed tendering the cutlets and pretended not to notice the awkward pause that filled the room.

“I will wait here then,” Aidan replied casually as he looked around at the surroundings. After giving a very obvious appraisal, the fire witch’s attention shifted back to his son, who stiffened in response.

“You are in the way, Mr. Helmer.” A low rumble behind Aidan made him turn back around. He hadn’t realized there was someone else who had entered the— Sir Taylor glowered at Aidan threateningly. He was a hulking mass covered in sweat and dirt, and he was standing two inches from the long slanted nose that was identical to Fin’s. Somehow, Sir Taylor seemed even bigger than usual …

“There is plenty of room around me.” Aidan’s disdain dripped from his mouth as he beheld the threatening man before him and didn’t bat an eye.

“Are you the gardener? You should be more mindful of your place. You—” “YOU!” A shriek pierced the air, and for once, Aidan jumped back in surprise.

What unholy creature had bellowed so crazily?

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THE HOUSE WITCH AND WHEN THE CAT SPELLS WAR

Sir Taylor grinned darkly and stepped aside to reveal a red-faced Hannah, who was clutching two bunches of carrots at her side and was shaking head to toe in obvious rage.

“Get out,” she seethed. The size of her ominous aura far exceeded her small frame, and even Aidan had to wonder if the woman was a witch of some kind.

“Young lady, it is not appropriate for you to speak to your betters—” “THE DAY A MAN LIKE YOU IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING OTHER THAN BIRD SHIT IS THE DAY I—” Aidan turned his back on Hannah and strode over to Fin who was watching the entire scene with mild amusement.

“You dare let an employee speak to me like that?” Aidan shook his head. “I thought you were above such childish antics. I see you still have much to learn.”

“And I thought I made it quite clear when I blew you off an island that you should stay away from me.” Fin’s eyes were beginning to glow, and a set of paring knives that had been peeling vegetables suddenly stopped their work and turned their points toward the fire witch.

Aidan’s gaze narrowed, and any former arrogance in his face was replaced with hardness.

“You hate me. That much is clear, but I can at least say you’ve grown into a stronger person thanks to your time with me as a child. You are not the sniveling lump I feared you may become.”

A bunch of carrots was suddenly slammed down on the table beside Aidan’s hand, making him flinch.

Hannah had caught him off guard for the second time that day, and her wide blue eyes stared crazily up at him, only adding to the effect.

“I will shove each of these up every hole you possess and then carve new ones just to be sure I don’t waste food if you don’t get the fuck out of this kitchen.”

The room rose by several degrees in temperature, as Aidan slowly rounded on the maid. Fin could sense the magic swelling up in the man as the fire witch and Hannah glared at each other.

“I will see you flogged for your insolence.” Aidan towered over her, and yet as much as he tried, he could not get her to back down. Even when beads of sweat began to roll down her cheek, her small chin remained pointed up stubbornly.

“You aren’t the first Troivackian to come in here trying to punish us.

Though you did speak down to the eldest son of a baron just now and failed 9

DELEMHACH

to bow to three knights.” Fin gestured casually at Sirs Lewis and Andrews who waved with wide smiles on their faces at the fire witch, while Sir Taylor stood with his legs braced and arms crossed, his brow still frowning.

The witch didn’t bow as manners dictated he should. Aidan’s fury was palpable, but sure enough, he headed back to the entrance, and just before he slammed the door behind him shouted over his shoulder: “We will have a private discussion soon, Finlay. Whether you like it or not. I promise, you will regret today, and you will be far more receptive to me in the very near future.”

“Sir Harris, please rise,” Norman called out over the sea of council members, his voice silencing the murmurs that were fluttering up and down the table.

The auburn-haired knight seated beside Captain Antonio glanced to his superior hesitantly, his face pale as more than a dozen eyes of nobility swiveled to him.

Antonio gave Sir Harris a nod of encouragement that he returned, albeit far more nervously as his pulse fluttered in his throat.

Once the knight had risen, he inclined himself toward Norman, and when he straightened, he noted the quizzical looks on the men around the table that made sweat trickle down his spine.

“Sir Harris, we are gathered here today to discuss whether or not you meet the legal requirements to inherit your father’s dukedom of house Iones. Given that he has formally acknowledged you as his child, we will forgo all discussion of whether or not you are in fact related. Does anyone wish to object to this claim?” Mr. Howard called out to the council, his dignified tone nearing that of boredom. When no one raised a hand or voiced their objection, the king once again began to address them.

“According to your father’s will, in order to inherit his lands, fortune, titles, and duties, you were required to spend five years in military service.

Captain Antonio”—Norman’s gaze shifted to the military leader, who bowed his head from his seat in response—“has Sir Harris served in our ranks for at least five years?”

Captain Antonio bowed his head again. “Yes, Your Majesty. He has served our military for the past six years.”

Norman nodded his thanks and turned to Mr. Howard, who jotted down the confirmation, before the king’s attention returned to Sir Harris whose hands had curled into loose fists at his side.

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“Sir Harris, the other stipulation of this will is that you are required to have served under a dukedom for at least a year to become literate, and to understand the workings of a ducal house.”

At this a few men began to whisper to each other.

“There’s no way Duke Iones would’ve permitted that …”

“Does the duchess know about this?”

“Thank God it’d be going to a Daxarian son and not Lady Marigold’s future husband …”

“I have here a signed and sealed letter of reference from His Grace, Duke Rubeus Cowan, confirming I served his household for a year and three months.” Sir Harris grabbed the rolled parchment before him and with fumbling steps managed to make his way around the table to the king’s assistant, who he then proceeded to hand the missive to.

Unfurling the message and reading through, quickly, Mr. Howard then handed the letter to the king, who in turn nodded along to its contents.

“Lords, this letter does indeed confirm that Sir Harris was educated under Duke Cowan, and he has issued a glowing review on this knight’s behalf. We will submit this as official documentation as it bears Duke Cowan’s one and only family seal. Both on the wax and at the bottom of this letter. Those of you who wish to see this proof for yourselves may make inquiries with Mr. Howard here after the meeting.”

The men all nodded their heads in understanding.

“At this time, do we have any objections to proceeding with the paperwork for Sir Oscar Harris to henceforth become Lord Oscar Harris?

Following this potential approval, each member will cast their vote regarding whether or not you will then officially inherit the Iones dukedom,” Mr. Howard called out, all while scribbling away on the paperwork before him.

While the men in the room all varied in political opinions and outlook, when it came to the question of whether or not they would prefer a seasoned knight to inherit the dukedom, or their Zinferan guest who had irritated nearly everyone in the castle as skillfully as his betrothed, Lady Marigold Iones, had in her short life …

There was the rare occurrence of a united opinion.

“Excellent. Sir Harris, we will ask that in light of our current negotiations with Zinfera, you refrain from announcing your upcoming ennoblement. An official ceremony will take place in two days’ time. The council will discuss if there are any points of contention that may disrupt these proceedings before then, but given the straightforward nature of the will, and the necessary documentation and proof we have received, there 11

DELEMHACH

is low chance of any adversity.” Norman nodded to Sir Harris, a warm glint in his eye.

The knight let out a breath of relief as he even managed to give a small smile while bowing to his king.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, and to you lords,” he addressed the council, his nervousness making many of the kinder men grin to themselves, while the more conservative nobility stared with an air of reluctance.

“Do you have anything you wish to say to us before we dismiss you back to your post?” the king asked while silently noting the council members he knew could take exception to the young knight based on his illegitimate birth.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sir Harris’s face suddenly lit up with a far more relaxed smile, which in turn made Captain Antonio’s eyebrows lower in concern. “Thank you for your time, and for your support. While I know the circumstances of my birth are not looked upon favorably … I will make sure to step forward using my worldly experiences and upbringing when taking command of the Iones knights for the upcoming war.”

The reminder of what Sir Harris could bring to the war effort was an effective point, one that made Captain Antonio smile proudly … that is, until the knight stayed true to his nature and once again opened his big mouth.

“Also, sorry about giving you all food poisoning. If it is any consolation, once made a duke, I vow to never try cooking again!”

Sir Harris bowed quickly, oblivious to the haunted expressions that consumed many of the noblemen’s expressions.

Once straightened, the knight began to stride with a bounce in his step toward the door, only to add further insult to injury by exiting saying, “Oh, and don’t worry, the Royal Cook has thoroughly impressed upon me that I have to wash off the manure thoroughly after pulling the vegetables from the garden!”

With a final exuberant wave, Sir Harris took his leave.

Captain Antonio was already leaning his forehead into his hand, while many of the nobility began to second-guess their earlier confidence in the young man …

12

CHAPTER 3 SHELLING OUT TROUBLE

K

raken pondered his witch’s father after observing his second intrusion of the kitchen and eventually concluded one important fact.

The fire witch didn’t smell right.

It was a most unnatural scent … almost as though he had been in contact with something or someone … else.

Kraken blinked thoughtfully.

I need to go train the kittens, but … what can I do if my witch needs me?

The other humans around Fin were all speaking heatedly, but they didn’t interest the young fluffy black feline. No, all Kraken cared about was that strange smell …

Tilting his head to study Fin a little more closely, the familiar speculated how stressed, and weary, his witch appeared … Apparently his new female mate could only do so much to soothe his worries.

Sauntering free of the potato sacks he had casually lain behind, Kraken made his way over to the redhead and immediately began nuzzling his shins.

Sure enough, the loving pets and scratches came, making the kitten begin to salivate in pleasure.

The humans continued their conversation, and it provided excellent background noise while Kraken began to drift into a pleasant slumber.

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“—I’ve never seen that cat before.”

Kraken cracked open an eye.

There was another cat?

Glancing over to the open garden door, Kraken’s body tensed. Tipper sat, his tail swishing slowly as his great yellow eyes watched him.

Fin looked down at Kraken and immediately frowned. It was unlike the arrogant kitten to react to another cat.

“Friend of yours?” the witch asked, noting that his familiar didn’t dare move his attention away from the new arrival.

“It’s Sylvia’s mate …” Kraken replied, sounding incredibly strained, but before Fin could ask about the elusive Sylvia, his familiar had bolted out of his arms and out the kitchen through the open window as fast as he could.

When the group turned to look back at the new cat, they found that he, too, had already left.

“I sometimes think that little beast has an entire secret life we know nothing about,” Sir Lewis observed while wearing a small frown.

Fin shook his head and let out a sigh.

“As I was saying, Hannah, while I appreciate you standing up for me, you really can’t make such … graphic threats to Aidan.”

“You have to admit, it was a little bit funny …” Sir Andrews started then trailed off when Fin shot him a warning look.

“That man is prideful. He will seek revenge. Hannah, I’m going to talk to Ruby about perhaps having you go stay and help with my mother who is currently in hiding. I’ll try not to give Ruby the details about what happened so she doesn’t get angry with you,” Fin explained as he reached for the pork cutlet on the table then plunked it in the bowl of flour, breadcrumbs, and herbs.

While he waited for the initial storm of Hannah’s reaction to being disciplined, the redhead was surprised when instead the petite blond woman smiled.

“Oh, that sounds like a splendid idea! I think I’ll go pack my things.”

As she moved to skip away, Fin caught her by the back of her dress and gently pulled her back until they stood face-to-face again.

“Why aren’t you fighting me on this?”

Hannah stared innocently and batted her long eyelashes up at him. “I am merely being the dutiful servant to my maste—” “I think you just explained to my father a minute ago that you aren’t a dutiful servant to anyone,” Fin pointed out, clearly unimpressed with her attempt at deceit as he resumed breading the cutlets.

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“Well, not for that troll with dung for eyes! But for you! My goodness, the Gods couldn’t have given me a better specimen of witch to order me around.”

“She’s scaring me,” Sir Andrews whispered to Sir Taylor, who nodded silently in agreement.

“Hannah, are you sick? Dying?” Peter asked with genuine concern on his face.

The blonde had done her best to keep her angelic façade going for as long as possible, but finally her shoulders slumped, and she let out a long sigh.

“It’s supposed to be a secret, but … I overheard the captain and your mum talking about where she was going to hide while I was delivering snacks for her trip.”

Fin glanced perplexed around at the aides, but no one else seemed to know what she was going to say.

“Your mother is staying with Lady Jenoure at her estate in Austice.”

The pork that had been in Fin’s hand fell into the bowl in a heap, and his eyes grew wide.

“How … Why … How?” “You asked how already,” Hannah pointed out cheekily with a wink.

Fin braced his hands on the table and stared earnestly at the young woman.

“Good Gods, woman, he’s been through enough!” Peter blurted desperately.

“Alright, alright! Apparently the viscountess had requested to be kept informed about the proceedings surrounding her brother’s trial, but I think it’s just to check up on yo—” Fin stopped her with a look, so she cleared her throat and continued.

“Anyway, during their chat the captain mentioned that Mrs. Ashowan was going to be in hiding when she divorced Troivack’s chief of military, and I guess Lady Jenoure offered to have her stay with her. Given that her keep is difficult to find and well protected from what the rumors say, it made the most sense.” Hannah finished her retelling with a small shrug before smiling deviously and adding on, “And I won’t say no to getting to go and see how that drama plays out.”

“You’re evil.” Sir Andrews shuddered.

Fin appeared catatonic, as his aides discussed the new discovery.

“I wonder how they’ll get along … I mean, does your mother know you’re betrothed yet?” Hannah asked, her eyes glittering with interest.

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“You’re betrothed?!” Sir Andrews exclaimed, stunned.

“Congratulations!” Sir Lewis and Peter cheered, grinning.

“Well done, Ashowan.” Sir Taylor nodded, with a broad smile of his own.

“We’ll have to have a proper celebration once Sir Harris returns from his meeting regarding his dukedom!” Peter added jovially before clapping Fin on the shoulder.

It was then the group realized that the redheaded witch had yet to speak, and he was still staring off into the unknown.

“I’m sure they’re getting along fine— I was just teasing!” Hannah remarked, a hint of nervousness entering her tone as she then looked around and realized that all magical cookery had ceased.

“The last …” Fin’s voice was hoarse. “The last time those two spoke … was a disaster … and now they are staying … under the same roof? Oh Gods. No wonder Annika said she had to leave last night.” Fin’s hands snapped to his face as his panic fully set in.

“How often has she been staying overnight at your cottage?” Hannah asked with renewed delight.

“And here I thought you’d be the prudish type until marriage …” Sir Andrews muttered to both Sirs Lewis and Taylor who immediately nodded their agreement.

“Well, not all women look like Lady Jenoure,” Hannah reminded them, though the men wisely held their tongues on commenting on how desirable the cook’s future wife was.

Fin dropped his elbows to the table, his face still covered with his hands as he tried not to assume the absolute worst scenarios happening between Annika and his mother.

Peter gingerly reached out and patted Fin on the shoulder before they all shifted awkwardly and began to resume their duties.

“Poor bastard,” Sir Andrews whispered to Sir Lewis who quietly agreed before they once again began hunting for the eggshells in their batter, and this time they decided not to complain quite as much as before … the poor cook could only take so much in a day.

Katelyn Ashowan sat uncomfortably in Annika’s solar, clutching her cup of tea, grateful to have something to do with her hands. The sun was setting, and the viscountess sat across from her with a tray of fruits and cheese between them. The noblewoman looked every bit as ill at ease as Kate felt, and she kept glancing out the window longingly.

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THE HOUSE WITCH AND WHEN THE CAT SPELLS WAR

“You said you saw Fin last night?” Kate asked, her voice strained.

“I did, yes. He seemed stressed. I suppose his father tried to talk with him.”

Kate waited for a brief moment before lifting her teacup to her lips and taking a sip.

“We anticipated as much. His Majesty hopes that Aidan will let something slip when they meet …” Kate slowly lowered her teacup to the table in front of her before leaning back into her seat. “Thank you again for allowing me to stay here while my ex-husband is in Daxaria. I don’t like infringing on the goodwill of others.”

Annika’s smile was pained. “It’s quite alright. While I can’t be open about my relationship with—” The flash of irritation on Kate’s face made Annika hesitate, but with a quick gulp she continued.

“With … Fin … I still want to help however I can.”

Kate nodded, but it was clear she was already wanting to end the discussion as quickly as possible. Thus far since her arrival, the pair had managed to avoid running into each other, but Clara, Annika’s handmaiden, had oh so kindly arranged for a small meal to be shared between them.

Letting out a long sigh, Annika dropped her forehead to her fingertips before fixing Kate with a weary defeated expression.

“I … I don’t like us acting so strained around each other. I deeply regret announcing the betrothal that day in the queen’s chamber. I should have let Fin be the one to tell you; truly, I am sorry.” Annika bowed her head slightly, and she heard Kate shift uncomfortably at being treated as more important than a viscountess.

“Please don’t bow to me. This is already … far too awkward.”

Annika lifted her head with a weak smile. “I can maneuver many different types of scenarios with many different types of people, but I have not once ever had to be in a close-knit family. I’m at a loss.”

Kate frowned. “I thought I heard you had family back in Troivack.”

“My mother died shortly after giving birth to me, and my father was more interested in his boys. My brother Phillip murdered his twin, John, and my other brother, Charles, is … well … he just wanted to stay on their good side …” Annika didn’t need to mention that Charles had been left with next to nothing when her brother Phillip became earl, and so he was supported by his baby sister for being her ears in the Troivackian courts.

“Family is important to Fin. That much is obvious.” The viscountess’s smile turned a little more confident as she straightened in her seat and leaned back.

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“It is … though other than with each other, Fin and I don’t have much experience being a family either. I’m not sure we can even call us close-knit, so perhaps you can relax a little. My concerns are the class differences between the two of you and … well … your overnight … visits.”

Annika decided to reconsider her original urge to fling herself through the window right then and there.

With her cheeks deepening in color, she managed to force out a reply.

“I … understand … but … I’m sure things will be fine.”

Just then a loud knock on the door broke the tension, forcing Annika to jump up from her seat.

“Come in!” she cried out gratefully, already feeling as though she could hug the newcomers within an inch of their lives.

Clara and Captain Antonio stepped into the room. The military leader looked incredibly grim, while Clara curtsied dutifully to her mistress.

“Lady Jenoure,” he greeted with a bow. “I do not mean to impose so suddenly on you, but I need to speak with Mrs. Ashowan immediately.

Also, a messenger from His Majesty is down in your entrance with a formal missive for you.”

All at once Annika’s face turned stony, but dutifully and with flawless composure, she bid a brief polite farewell to both the captain and Kate and took her leave with Clara silently following in her wake.

“Antonio, what is it? You look … angry,” Kate observed worriedly while reaching out to grasp the captain’s hands.

“Yes, lass, I am furious. Please sit. I need to explain to you what Mr. Helmer is trying to do now.”

Seating herself hastily, the healer’s heart began to pound against her chest in an all too familiar wave of fear.

“He is trying to bargain for Finlay to join him aboard his ship as an ambassador, and he’s making a hell of an argument for it.”

Katelyn’s face paled, and for a moment she didn’t even bother breathing, then a slew of expletives left her mouth that left the captain in shock, until he noticed that she was already beginning to cry.

“Godsdamnit, Fin was right … he knew it … he knew Aidan wouldn’t just leave him be.”

“It’ll be alright, Kate. While the council is leaning strongly toward Finlay going, his acting as an ambassador would protect him legally. If we instead forced Lady Jenoure, she would be far more susceptible to—” “What’s this about Lady Jenoure?” Kate frowned, before a greater alarm started growing on her face. “Why is Aidan dragging her into this?!”

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“King Matthias has imprisoned Lady Jenoure’s other brother and his young family, claiming that he was leaking Troivackian secrets to her. It seems as though the Troivackian king is trying to wipe out the entire family in one fell swoop. Most likely the king is eyeing the family’s hefty coffers to help fund the war. Or he truly was displeased that Lady Jenoure refused to marry the suitor they had sent for her from Troivack, and this is her punishment for not obeying.”

“W-Wait, then … why would she be required to go as an ambassador?”

Antonio paused. There was a desperation in Kate’s face that seemed odd … then again the two women had probably formed a bond already since the viscountess had graciously offered to hide his affianced.

With a sigh, the captain decided to try and briefly explain the complexities surrounding the recent developments.

“The viscountess is suspected of being a part of this alleged information leak. She is also the only remaining family member who is not imprisoned. The Troivackian king insists she go to him to submit a testimony and defense for Charles Piereva, and he is attempting to force her to obey by holding her sister-in-law and niece hostage. If King Matthias gets Annika on Troivackian waters, however … things could go south incredibly quickly. For one, he could force her to wed someone aboard his ship and then not only seize the Piereva assets, but house Jenoure’s as well.

However, if we do not acquiesce, that would mean the immediate death of her innocent family members.”

Kate clutched her skirts tightly as she listened, her ire deepening at the new information surrounding Annika. For several moments she was unable to say a word, as she realized just how villainous her ex-husband’s intentions were.

Swallowing with great difficulty, Kate at long last managed to speak.

“I need … I need time to absorb this information. Do you mind if I have a few moments to think by myself?”

Antonio smiled sadly and kissed her forehead. “Of course. I need to head back to the castle immediately, but I wanted to keep you updated and came as soon as our meetings concluded. I doubt Fin would want you knowing, but both of you seem to underestimate each other.”

Kate tried to smile but couldn’t, and so with another small shoulder squeeze, Antonio left his fiancée alone with her thoughts.

As soon as the door had closed, and the only sounds surrounding her were the peaceful lull of waves from the open window, Kate began to

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DELEMHACH

tremble. Anger, fear, and helplessness rose within her, choking her voice as she realized the magnitude of what was transpiring.

Aidan knows Fin would never let a defenseless woman sacrifice herself in order to save people … He’s backed us into a corner, and he’s going to make my boy leave with him. Then … Fin will be powerless … and alone … and I can’t do a damn thing.

Kate dropped her face to her hands as the absolute horror of the situation overwhelmed her.

Fin had been right about everything …

Aidan was coming for him, and he intended to use any dirty plot or web of politics he could to get what he wanted.

Kate broke down into sobs and couldn’t stop her tears as an innate sense of foreboding overtook her mind.

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CHAPTER 4 TRUTHFULLY TERRIFIED

A

nnika approached the council room, her expression stony and her heart thirsting for blood. Aidan Helmer and his desperation to see himself murdered was at the forefront of her mind. Effectively, this made the viscountess forget to be nervous over the nature of the message she had received from the king.

It had come as a great surprise to Annika when she found out that the messenger Captain Antonio had been speaking about was in fact Mage Lee. The elder had informed her of Charles’s abduction that had come to light during the council meeting with Aidan Helmer, and then he cryptically insisted she go to see the king.

The guards in front of the council room shared looks of uncertainty as they beheld the fearsome ire in the dark eyes of the normally composed viscountess, but they quickly granted her entry without a word.

Despite her blinding fury, Annika was shocked when she stepped into the room and saw that Fin already stood before the king, the tired worry lines in his face making her go still for a moment.

“Ah, Viscountess Jenoure. Thank you for coming so quickly. I have just informed Mr. Ashowan of the situation,” Norman said after Annika had recovered from her surprise and had given the appropriate curtsy.

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“The … The situation?” Annika asked slowly, unsure of what exactly was transpiring.

“Yes, I’m not sure if Mage Lee informed you but … the other ambassador suggested to argue against the charges against your brother Lord Charles Piereva was Finlay Ashowan. Aidan Helmer’s son,” Norman explained with a sharp gleam in his eyes.

Annika risked a small glimpse at Finlay, though he did not do so in return.

“Is it possible that the Troivack’s chief of military is pursuing Mr. Ashowan here as a vendetta given the well-known bad blood they share?”

Norman nodded slowly. “Ah, of course you have heard the details of their past. I’m sure Katelyn Ashowan apprised you of some of what has transpired here in your absence.”

Annika didn’t even dare to blink, and she fought the urge to look yet again at Fin. She was beginning to grow fearful that their relationship may be revealed in the fallout of Aidan Helmer’s meddling … She prayed Fin could sense this possibility and knew to proceed with whatever he said about her with caution.

“It is more than likely my father is hoping to seek revenge from me; however, why the King of Troivack would allow Aidan’s interference in his negotiations with regard to your family is still unclear,” Fin explained, keeping his gaze fixed on the king.

Norman found it odd that Fin didn’t spare the viscountess even a glance … most men had trouble taking their eyes off her …

“Your Majesty, do you want me to return to Troivack?” Annika could feel Fin’s eyes snap to her profile.

Norman sighed and leaned against the council room table while shaking his head.

“Well … that is why I have called you both here. The way I see it, there are three options. Either you, Lady Jenoure, agree to go and most likely are forced into marriage that the king inflicts. Or you, Mr. Ashowan, agree to go and risk your father ignoring the legalities that would be protecting you as an official ambassador. Or the third—we outright refuse to send either of you, and Lord Phillip Piereva returns home to bear his horrifically light sentence, and Lord Charles Piereva and his family are put to death for treason.”

The air was heavy, and for a brief moment, no one spoke.

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Annika began to step forward, already deciding she had enough tricks and information up her sleeve that she may as well take the risk, when Fin’s steely gaze stopped her as he then subtly blocked her from the king.

However, before he could speak, Annika still beat him to it.

“I’ll go. I may be able to negotiate with the king for a different type of deal on Charles’s behalf given my connection to Troivack,” she announced confidently.

Norman considered the possibility, but he was forced to stop and try to quell the obvious anger and disagreement he noticed on Fin’s face, as the redhead clearly gritted his teeth together.

“Mr. Ashowan, Lady Jenoure is perfectly capable of handling herself in these kinds of scenarios. She survived Troivack until her marriage to Hank Jenoure, and she knows her family’s activities best in this matter. I recognize it seems callous of me, but—” “Over my dead body.” Fin’s words were frostier than any Winter Solstice morning.

Annika stiffened over his emotion. One wrong word, and they could reveal their secret and bring upon themselves yet another problem …

She needed to caution him quickly.

“Mr. Ashowan, I understand you do not know me very well, but I do believe that if I go the situation will not be as dire as—” she began with a forced authoritative calm, only for him to interrupt her.

“We are not betting on the Troivackian king—who is about to wage war on us, behaving fairly toward a woman he is angry with. We can simply imprison Aidan here and now and prolong discussions with the king to buy us time.”

As the air rang with the witch’s words Norman stood straighter, his expression growing wary in light of Fin’s emotions besting him during the discussion.

“If we do that, there is no chance that Charles’s family will be left alive,” Annika explained softly.

Fin turned his head to face Annika behind him, but stopped himself, already sensing that if he were to look at her, it would be obvious to the king precisely why he was beginning to unravel.

There was a beat of silence before Norman crossed his arms and spoke.

“Mr. Ashowan, I’m aware you know some of Viscountess Jenoure’s efforts in the past; however, I do believe she may hold more insight with regard to—” Fortunately for both Finlay and Annika, a soft knock at the door interrupted them.

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“Your Majesty, Royal Mage Lee wishes to speak with Mr. Ashowan, if possible,” one of the guards called through the door.

Norman shook his head, the burden of the discussion making him more exhausted by the minute.

“Very well, I need to discuss this further with Lady Jenoure alone regardless. Once your conversation is finished, please wait outside the door for me to call for you.”

Fin didn’t immediately leave, as he stared at the king with such intensity that for a moment it seemed as though he were going to begin shouting.

Behind Finlay’s back, where the king could not see, Annika gently pressed her fingertips to his back. Softly pleading with him …

Upon feeling her touch, Fin managed to blink, allowing her subtle comfort to pull him out of the dark whirl of emotions and panic that were dragging him into their depths. Once he’d regained a respectable amount of his control, he allowed himself to release a long steadying breath before bowing and taking his leave.

Annika didn’t dare look at him and instead directed her attention to the king, her stomach churning over Fin’s reaction. Norman turned to her, his gaze calculated as the door gently closed with the witch on the other side of it.

“You will have to forgive Mr. Ashowan; he has a protective nature. I’m sure he didn’t mean to insult your capabilities. In truth, I wasn’t certain how much you had revealed to him when you reported that he had helped you in the past.”

Annika bobbed her head subserviently. “It is alright. I’m given to understand this is a sensitive time with his father being a part of this. I do wonder, though …”

Norman waited expectantly.

“It is possible Mr. Helmer convinced King Matthias that Finlay is a suitable alternative to myself because he is a house witch? Especially if word had reached the king about how the cook was able to suppress Baron Gauva’s men when he attempted to attack the queen.”

Norman nodded. “This entire thing is strange … they’ve managed to pinpoint two great allies of mine … and I’m beginning to suspect that when I interrogate that man named Red we apprehended before Mr. Helmer’s arrival, I should be asking questions about traitors amongst the nobility.”

Annika agreed wholeheartedly. When she had been looking amongst the various ships and their arrival and departure logs, there were a few belonging to nobility that she had not been able to access …

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“If Mr. Ashowan insists on going on that ship, please don’t accept immediately,” she suddenly requested, her wide eyes leaping to Norman’s face.

The monarch raised an eyebrow, it was unlike the lady to show so much worry …

“Then are you absolutely certain you should be the one to argue for your brother’s innocence?”

Annika opened her mouth to give an immediate reply, only the look on Fin’s face snapped into her mind’s eye and she hesitated … so instead, she looked to her king and told him something that wasn’t at all what he had been expecting to hear.

“You need to tell the king. About … the two of you,” Lee whispered urgently in the shadowy corridor. The intensity of the statement, however, did little to ease the stiff expression on the redhead’s face.

“Why is that?”

“Do you not think it strange that Mr. Helmer is going after Lady Jenoure as well as yourself? His Majesty needs to know everything if he is to make the wisest decision regarding—” “Her Majesty the queen knows. If she believed it to be relevant, do you really suppose she wouldn’t mention it to him?” Fin’s voice, while quiet, had a deadly edge to it.

Mage Lee balked immediately. “The queen knows?!”

“It would seem so. Though it is strange that not only Aidan, but the Troivackian king agreed that I would be an acceptable representative … Even if I am a witch that wouldn’t be enough to … to cause …” Fin trailed off, a sudden frown settling over his brow.

Turning around sharply, the house witch strode back down the corridor back to the council room door, leaving Lee to drop his forehead to his hand.

“Son of a witch,” he muttered while slowly beginning to follow Fin. “I need to speak with His Majesty immediately,” the redhead informed the two guards with a note of urgency.

The two men shared a quizzical look over the abrupt shift in the cook’s attitude, when the chamber door opened, and Annika stepped out looking somewhat pale.

“Good evening to you, Mr. Ashowan.” Without raising her gaze to him, the viscountess began to turn away from him, only to have Fin gently cup her cheek and turn her face back to him, startling her thoroughly.

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The guards exchanged nervous glances, and one began to clear his throat.

“We need to go back in there,” Fin whispered quietly. “Together. I think we need to … I think we need to … talk. I have a suspicion.” Mage Lee halted a few feet away and his jaw dropped when he noticed the very obvious affectionate touch the cook was giving Lady Jenoure.

“Oh for the love of— You know we can all see you, right?!”

Annika’s eyes grew round and hesitant, and she completely ignored the mage’s presence when she answered her fiancé. “Are you sure we need to right now?”

Fin let out a small sigh and smiled with a mixture of resignation and sadness. “Yes.” Slowly closing her eyes, the lady let out a breath of her own before she pressed her cheek into his palm, then turned and kissed it. There was a squeak from one of the guards behind her that could be heard as Annika straightened her shoulders and faced the two armed men, who both had their jaws wide enough to catch an entire fleet of flies.

“We need to go back in,” she announced, her cool composure intact and her gaze unwavering.

Fin’s heart was in his throat, and his palms were already drenched in sweat, but if he was right … then it was better if the king knew. He glanced at Annika worriedly; he wished they had a chance to discuss it beforehand, but … She was trusting him …

The guards tried to maintain a professional attitude, but not even Mage Lee was able to do so as he threw his hands in the air. “Your grand realization was that I was right? You’re going to go tell him?”

Fin shot the elder a flat expression before entering the council room with Annika at his side.

Norman was looking at one of the maps fanned out on the council room table, but when he realized that both the viscountess and cook had returned, he immediately straightened.

“Lady Jenoure, I thought we were finished for this evening,” he observed curiously.

Annika glanced at Fin, and her controlled equanimity momentarily flickered in her eyes when she saw how obviously terrified he was. Hastily, she took a fortifying breath and clasped her hands demurely in front of her skirts. Resuming her self-assured façade, she faced the king.

Fin looked as though he were about to fight the entire Troivackian army single-handedly. His face was ashen, and he was breathing a little 26

THE HOUSE WITCH AND WHEN THE CAT SPELLS WAR

too quickly. “Your Majesty, there is something else Aidan might be aiming to accomplish and … it is better for you to be aware of the details of it …”

Norman frowned in concern. What could it possibly be that had the cook so distressed?

“Your Majesty … it is possible that Aidan is trying to remove me from the castle using Lady Jenoure as bait because … he is aware of something that he shouldn’t be …” Fin swallowed with great difficulty.

“Mr. Ashowan, please speak plainly. It has been a long day, and there is no need to dance around important matters with this war.” The king stepped toward the pair slowly.

“Your Majesty, Viscountess Jenoure and I are … are …” For a moment Fin thought he would vomit before getting the words out, but he knew there was no other choice. “We are betrothed.”

The silence that followed the announcement made Fin’s chest ache.

Annika stood beside him, her face serene, but he could feel the rigidness in the air around her. The two then waited for the king to react to the secret they both had been hiding, both terrified beyond measure.

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T

he king’s face was unreadable as he looked at Fin for a long time without saying a word, then he turned his head to stare at Lady Jenoure.

No one could say exactly how much time had passed, but the redhead could feel sweat building along his brow as he waited.

“It is odd, Viscountess, that you believe yourself to be betrothed. Last I checked, it is my seal that officiates an engagement for a member of my court.” Despite his light tone, there was a coldness in the king’s voice that the couple had seldom heard before.

After a tenuous breath, Fin risked speaking. “I only meant that I had asked and she said ye—” “You will remain silent, Mr. Ashowan, until I get to you, am I clear?”

The faint boom in Norman’s voice made the cook flinch. He dropped his gaze to the floor, his cheeks burning as he gave a single nod.

“Lady Jenoure, I had been wondering what was the cause of your recent out-of-character behavior, and I suppose I have my answer. Now I want nothing but the truth from you.”

Annika lowered her eyes and bowed her head obediently.

“Have you disclosed any secrets I have entrusted to you on behalf of the kingdom of Daxaria to Mr. Ashowan without my authorization?”

Norman’s intense gaze was fixed on the viscountess.

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“No, I have not.”

“Is your relationship the reason you were so adamant against getting married?” There was a warning note in the king’s tone that made Fin have to fight against speaking up.

“I never intended to get married to one of the suitors; Mr. Ashowan had nothing to do with that,” Annika answered while once again managing to sound calm.

Norman stared at her for several moments and felt the tiniest bit of his anger ebb away.

“How long has this … relationship, existed?”

“A few weeks.” Annika’s unflappable even tone, Norman had to admit, was impressive.

“I see.” Looking back and forth between the couple, the king took another step closer to them, his eyes still hard. “The two of you have betrayed my trust in your actions. You have acted duplicitously, and immaturely, and I do not sanction this absurd union in any way.”

The pair remained quiet.

“Who else is aware of this … ? I am guessing Mrs. Ashowan given that she is currently residing at your estate, Lady Jenoure,” Norman surmised scathingly.

“She does. She is not in support of it,” Fin admitted.

“I said you were to remain quiet,” the king snapped before turning back to Annika whose eyes remained downcast. “Who else?”

“My household staff.”

Norman’s slightly dulled anger flared with renewed life. “Do you mean to tell me … Oh Gods. That was why, Mr. Ashowan, you stayed with Lady Jenoure when I gave you a week to rest, and that was when she sent her personal knights to save you from Madam Mathilda’s.”

Both Annika and Fin silently nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the viscountess confirmed without lifting her gaze.

“Mr. Ashowan, if no royal secrets were shared, how is it Lady Jenoure knew you were in need of aid that night?” Norman demanded, moving toward Fin. “I followed Mr. Ashowan, Your Majesty. He never told me what you asked of him.” Annika cut in swiftly.

The king froze and turned his attention back to her. “Why did you follow him?”

For the first time ever, the monarch witnessed the forever controlled, manipulative viscountess blush.

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